iPad mini iPad Mini + keyboard + lap?

[DrTwoFish]

Hi all,
I'm afraid I may have made a mistake this week. A few days ago I bought a second gen mini with the primary purpose of using it as a note-taking machine at work and on business travel. I was hoping not to blow $500+ on an Air/2, the mini is a nice size for general use, and it works awesome with the full-size BT keyboard I have (which has a separate little prop stand).

However, I just got an Anker keyboard cover, and it's totally hopeless on my lap; the footprint is small and it feels unbalanced like it's going to tumble right off, not to mention I don't like the leverage that the slot holder exerts on the edge of the iPad. I'd rather not slap a big clunky case on it, but does anybody have any suggestions for mini keyboard covers/cases that work well on your lap? Or does the tiny size necessarily mean it's useless for laptop duty? Thanks for any input you have.

Edit bonus question: I'm also checking out refurb Airs - I could get a 32GB for $389. Opinions on how much better the Air 2 really feels/performs? Would I be shooting myself in the foot buying a full-size with the older processor?

 

[Jessica Lares]

I have a Clamcase. It's going to cost you $150, but I use it when sitting in the back of the car, on the floor, on the couch, on my bed, and wherever else. It's so sturdy, you could hold it in your hand and type with the other like you would a laptop.

Don't know about the other options.

 

[DrTwoFish]

Thanks Jessica! That was a bit out of my budget, unfortunately. I ended up going the other direction and downloading Swype for cases when I can't use my full-size BT keyboard, and ordering a smart cover + invisible shield for the back to have a modicum of protection without added bulk.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

I have one of these these, my wife used it for a few weeks.

It is pretty bulky, so it might add some stability (weight) on your lap.

http://www.newtrent.com/store/ipad-case/ipad-mini-nt31b.html

 

[DrTwoFish]

Wow, you're not kidding on bulky - that puts our family ipad's otterbox to shame! Looks like it could be a really good option for cases (heh) where you know you're going to be typing a lot on the go, though. Thanks!

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

Wow, you're not kidding on bulky - that puts our family ipad's otterbox to shame! Looks like it could be a really good option for cases (heh) where you know you're going to be typing a lot on the go, though. Thanks!

The thing she liked about it was that the keyboard part comes off, making it essentially an Otterbox. She actually got rid of it when I got her the other Newtrent case without the keyboard.

That being said, it worked well as a keyboard and would probably make a great weapon haha.

 

[Traverse]

I have a Clamcase. It's going to cost you $150, but I use it when sitting in the back of the car, on the floor, on the couch, on my bed, and wherever else. It's so sturdy, you could hold it in your hand and type with the other like you would a laptop.

Don't know about the other options.

Do you find you can type well with the iPad Mini Clamcase? Is the keyboard cramped?

 

[Jessica Lares]

Do you find you can type well with the iPad Mini Clamcase? Is the keyboard cramped?

I type fine with the Clamcase, the keys are taking me pounding them a lot pretty well, heh. It's smaller, but you're going to get that with all the iPad Mini keyboards. I don't find it cramped, but going between a full sized Apple keyboard and it throws me off.